First woman to step up for Covid jab dies after illness

THE FIRST woman in Ireland to receive the Covid-19 vaccine, Annie Lynch, has died after a battle with illness.

The Drimnagh resident caught national attention when she became the first person in Ireland to get the coronavirus jab in December 2020 at St James’s Hospital.

Annie, who is formerly of Inchicore, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 10, with her daughter by her side at Croft Care Nursing Home.

Beloved wife of the late John, Annie is survived by her children Paula, John and Alan, grandchildren Kian, Jason, Christine, Aisha, Joanne and Amy, and great-grandchildren Emily and Ava.

Following her death, resident of Drimnagh Cllr Daithí Doolan said: “I’m very saddened to hear that Annie Lynch has passed away.”

“My thoughts are with her friends and family. I hope the many memories give them some comfort at this sad time.

“Annie was the first recipient of the Covid vaccine. This showed great courage and bravery. Annie was a real hero at a time when the nation needed heroes.

“To lose someone is always sad, but to lose a loved one in the build-up to Christmas makes it even more difficult.

“I hope Annie’s family feel the support and solidarity that the whole country is giving them right now.”

The funeral Mass for Annie Lynch takes place on Thursday morning, December 15, at 11.30am in Church of Our Lady of Good Counsel on Mourne Road, followed by burial in Goldenbridge Cemetery.